adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
abodenounUS /əˈboʊd/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
adjoined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
affordedverbUS /əˈfɔːrdəd/
past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
ArabsnounUS /ˈærəbz/
plural of “arab” — a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It still contained a considerable number of tools, such as mattocks, shovels, and pick-axes.
attendantnounUS /əˈtendənt/
someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
BennounUS /ben/
a mountain or tall hill
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
boardnounUS /bɔːrd/
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
bricknounUS /brɪk/
rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
builtadjectiveUS /bɪlt/
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
complaintsnounUS /kəmˈpleɪnts/
plural of “complaint” — an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
ComposedadjectiveUS /kəmˈpoʊzd/
serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
considerableadjectiveUS /kənˈsɪdərəbəl/
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It still contained a considerable number of tools, such as mattocks, shovels, and pick-axes.
containedadjectiveUS /kənˈteɪnd/
gotten under control
From this reading It still contained a considerable number of tools, such as mattocks, shovels, and pick-axes.
coveredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌvərd/
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
cupboardnounUS /ˈkʌbərd/
a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
daintyadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪnti/
delicately beautiful
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
detachmentnounUS /dɪˈtætʃmənt/
avoiding emotional involvement
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
dinnernounUS /ˈdɪnər/
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
driss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
engineersnounUS /ˈendʒəˈnɪrz/
plural of “engineer” — a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
gourbi
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
gradenounUS /ɡreɪd/
a body of students who are taught together
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
habitationnounUS /ˌhæbəˈteɪʃən/
the native habitat or home of an animal or plant
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
horsesnounUS /ˈhɔːrsəz/
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
hostelrynoun
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
inferioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfɪriər/
of or characteristic of low rank or importance
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
leavingnounUS /ˈliːvɪŋ/
the act of departing
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
lodgingnounUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪŋ/
structures collectively in which people are housed
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
looseadjectiveUS /luːs/
not compact or dense in structure or arrangement
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
matternounUS /ˈmætər/
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
mattocksnounUS /ˈmætəks/
plural of “mattock” — a kind of pick that is used for digging; has a flat blade set at right angles to the handle
From this reading It still contained a considerable number of tools, such as mattocks, shovels, and pick-axes.
mudnounUS /mʌd/
water soaked soil; soft wet earth
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
nativesnounUS /ˈneɪtɪvz/
plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
nomadnounUS /ˈnoʊmæd/
a member of a people who have no permanent home but move about according to the seasons
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
numbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading It still contained a considerable number of tools, such as mattocks, shovels, and pick-axes.
occupiedadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪd/
held or filled or in use
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
orderlynounUS /ˈɔːrdərli/
a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
pick-axes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It still contained a considerable number of tools, such as mattocks, shovels, and pick-axes.
pleasedadjectiveUS /pliːzd/
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
previouslyadverbUS /ˈpriːviəsli/
at an earlier time or formerly
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
remainsnounUS /rɪˈmeɪnz/
any object that is left unused or still extant
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
repastnoun
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
Servadac
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
shelternounUS /ˈʃeltər/
a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
shovelsnounUS /ˈʃʌvəlz/
plural of “shovel” — a hand tool for lifting loose material; consists of a curved container or scoop and a handle
From this reading It still contained a considerable number of tools, such as mattocks, shovels, and pick-axes.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading It still contained a considerable number of tools, such as mattocks, shovels, and pick-axes.
stomachnounUS /ˈstʌmək/
an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
stonenounUS /stoʊn/
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
stonesnounUS /stoʊnz/
plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
stowverbUS /stoʊ/
fill by packing tightly
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
strawnounUS /strɔː/
plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It still contained a considerable number of tools, such as mattocks, shovels, and pick-axes.
temporaryadjectiveUS /ˈtempəreri/
not permanent; not lasting
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
tentsnounUS /tents/
plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
termnounUS /tɜːrm/
a word or expression used for some particular thing
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
thatchnounUS /θætʃ/
hair resembling thatched roofing material
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
toolsnounUS /tuːlz/
plural of “tool” — an implement used in the practice of a vocation
From this reading It still contained a considerable number of tools, such as mattocks, shovels, and pick-axes.
turfnounUS /tɜːrf/
surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
UncomfortableadjectiveUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
conducive to or feeling mental discomfort
From this reading Uncomfortable as was their temporary abode, Servadac and his attendant made no complaints; neither of them was dainty in the matter either of board or lodging.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading After dinner, leaving his orderly to stow away the remains of the repast in what he was pleased to term the “cupboard of his stomach.”
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Composed of mud and loose stones, and covered with a thatch of turf and straw, known to the natives by the name of “driss,” the gourbi, though a grade better than the tents of the nomad Arabs, was yet far inferior to any habitation built of brick or stone.
Zoof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It adjoined an old stone hostelry, previously occupied by a detachment of engineers, and which now afforded shelter for Ben Zoof and the two horses.
